### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἀσσάριον (assárion, `{{G787}}`) is a loanword derived from the Latin "assarius" or "as," a small Roman copper or bronze coin. Its value was minimal, typically understood as 1/16th of a denarius (δηνάριον, `{{G1220}}`). In English translations, it is often rendered as "farthing" (KJV) or sometimes "penny" (though "penny" can be ambiguous as it often refers to the denarius). The core meaning emphasizes an extremely small, almost negligible sum, serving to underscore the low monetary value of items priced at this amount.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀσσάριον appears exclusively in two parallel passages within the Synoptic Gospels, both instances occurring within Jesus' discourse on divine providence and trust in God:
* **[[Matthew 10:29]]**: "Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father." Here, the ἀσσάριον highlights the very low cost of sparrows, emphasizing that even creatures of such minimal monetary worth are not overlooked by God. The rhetorical question sets up a powerful contrast, implying that if God cares for the least valuable of His creation, He certainly cares for human beings, who are of far greater value.
* **[[Luke 12:6]]**: "Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings? And not one of them is forgotten before God." Luke's account presents a slight variation, noting that five sparrows could be purchased for two ἀσσάριονs, suggesting a "bulk discount" that further underscores their cheapness. The underlying message remains consistent: God's meticulous attention extends even to these inexpensive birds, reinforcing the disciples' assurance that they are infinitely more precious to God and will not be forgotten.
In both contexts, the ἀσσάριον functions as a hyperbole for an insignificant monetary value, used by Jesus to teach profound truths about God's comprehensive care and the immeasurable worth of His human creation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The ἀσσάριον is part of the broader system of Roman and Jewish coinage mentioned in the New Testament, illustrating the economic realities of the time:
* δηνάριον (denarius, `{{G1220}}`): A silver coin, typically representing a day's wage for a laborer (e.g., [[Matthew 20:2]]). The ἀσσάριον was a small fraction of this.
* κοδράντης (quadrans, `{{G2854}}`): An even smaller Roman coin, worth 1/4 of an ἀσσάριον (e.g., [[Matthew 5:26]]).
* λεπτόν (lepton, `{{G3014}}`): The smallest Jewish coin, equivalent to half a quadrans (e.g., [[Mark 12:42]]).
Beyond its monetary context, ἀσσάριον is intrinsically linked to the theological concept of **divine providence**. The passages where it appears are foundational for understanding God's active, detailed, and loving care for His creation, particularly humanity. This concept encompasses themes of God's omniscience, His attentiveness to the seemingly insignificant, and the call to trust Him implicitly.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of the ἀσσάριον does not lie in the coin itself, but in its masterful deployment by Jesus as a teaching aid to convey essential truths about God's character and His relationship with His people.
* **God's Meticulous Providence:** The image of sparrows, sold for a paltry ἀσσάριον, yet not one falling without the Father's knowledge, powerfully illustrates God's comprehensive and detailed oversight of all creation. It speaks to His infinite knowledge and active involvement in even the smallest events of the universe, affirming His omnipresence and omniscience.
* **The Immeasurable Value of Humanity:** By contrasting the minimal worth of sparrows with the disciples' own standing before God, Jesus elevates the intrinsic value of human beings. If God cares so intimately for creatures of such little monetary worth, how much more does He care for those made in His image, for whom Christ ultimately gave His life? This truth offers immense comfort and assurance, especially in times of fear, persecution, or anxiety.
* **An Invitation to Trust and Fearlessness:** The context of both passages is Jesus' instruction to His disciples concerning fear and trust in the face of opposition. The ἀσσάριον serves as a tangible, relatable anchor for the abstract theological truth that God's care is absolute. Believers are exhorted not to fear those who can harm the body, but to trust fully in the Father who values them more than "many sparrows" (cf. [[Matthew 10:28]]). It grounds the concept of divine sovereignty in an everyday, observable reality, making it accessible and comforting.
### Summary
The Greek term ἀσσάριον (assárion, `{{G787}}`) denotes a small Roman coin of negligible value, equivalent to approximately 1/16th of a denarius. Though monetarily insignificant, its theological impact in the New Testament is profound. Appearing solely in [[Matthew 10:29]] and [[Luke 12:6]], Jesus strategically employs the ἀσσάριον to teach about God's meticulous and all-encompassing divine providence. By highlighting that even sparrows, sold for such a paltry sum, are not overlooked by the Father, Jesus underscores God's intimate knowledge of all creation and, more significantly, the immeasurable value He places upon human life. The ἀσσάριον thus functions as a powerful symbol of God's omnipresent and caring gaze, serving to instill trust and dispel fear in the hearts of believers, anchoring the abstract truth of divine sovereignty in a concrete, relatable image of everyday life.
TRV